A 1991 Land Cruiser: From Dream Build to Business Venture

A 1991 Land Cruiser provides a business opportunity.

Inspired by Shaun Whale from 4WD 24/7 and his YouTube series featuring an 80-series Land Cruiser, “Sooty,” Aidan Stott decided he wanted one of his own. After searching online for several weeks, he finally found one that checked off all the boxes. His search led him to a 1991 Land Cruiser 4.2 Turbo Diesel which had, like him, traveled the world. The Land Cruiser was originally from Japan and made its way to Canada where it was eventually purchased and brought into the States; Aidan had found it for sale in Salt Lake City. The truck was relatively stock, but being RHD, he felt right at home in the driver seat.

His search led him to a 1991 Land Cruiser 4.2 Turbo Diesel which had, like him, traveled the world.

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Pushing Boundaries

Growing up in South Africa, Aidan Stott was introduced to overlanding at a young age. With his father, they would travel off road to find unique campsites in their Land Rover, providing fond memories, bonding time, and a passion for travel. His explorations helped him to fine-tune his bush mechanic skills and build confidence, which would prove to be helpful for his journey.

While South Africa has its charm and beauty, it was simply home. But Aidan wanted more — he had a dream to move to the United States. He yearned for more opportunities and places to travel. His father motivated him and pushed him to study abroad. So, he applied to several stateside schools and once accepted, he packed his belongings, and a new chapter began.

His first vehicle in the States was a two-door Jeep Wrangler, which he built up slowly over time. It started as an off-roading trail-only rig and evolved to allow him to go on longer trips and explore further. He slowly grew tired of the Jeep and wanted more from a vehicle.

Daily Driver Upgrades

As a daily driver, he wanted to ensure his truck was reliable. As an adventure vehicle, he required a few accessories to maximize his long-term travel. He was already familiar with South African brand Front Runner Outfitters and decided to mount their roof rack on his truck. He then mounted a collection of KC Hilites Pro 6 lights to the rack for additional light during his excursions that often find him driving in the dark. A pair of KC Hilites Flex Era 4 lights complements his 4×4 Labs front bumper, which also has a Warn Zeon 10 S winch affixed to it.

His trips would grow longer and stretch further with his furthest trip being a 10,000-mile trek across the northwest by himself. For this type of long-term travel, he knew he needed to increase his gas mileage to prevent getting stuck away from civilization. To solve this, a Long Range America 24-gallon auxiliary fuel tank was installed in the rear.

Long Range America Partnership

The initial introduction with Long Range America became much more than a vehicle sponsorship as an opportunity presented itself for Aidan to work more closely with the company. He took things a step further by investing in the company and became a business owner, where he now helps run the business and hopes to take it to the next level.

“The success of this business determines my future in the USA, so I have a lot riding on this to be successful in order for me to continue living my dream.”

As he continued with his build, he knew that protection and capability were key, especially on the terrain that he planned on exploring. He installed custom sliders and a Radius Fabrications 4-inch snorkel and airbox for the occasional water crossing. A Manta Performance 3-inch stainless exhaust with a straight pipe helps add additional power and airflow. He rounds out his performance and engine modifications with an Auber Industries EGT and boost gauge.

…he knew that protection and capability were key, especially on the terrain that he planned on exploring.

Well-Rounded Off-Roader

To help clear obstacles and provide a more comfortable ride, Aidan installed an Old Man Emu lift with Nitro Shocks. The transmission received a little work with Nitro Reduction gears and Aisin part-time 4WD in the transfer case.

Camping and enjoying the outdoors is still a major priority for him. He also wanted convenience while camping and opted for an Alucab Gen 3R rooftop tent which sets up in seconds and provides ample space to relax. A 67EX Snomaster Fridge keeps his food and beverages cold in the back. Aidan installed a Travel Buddy 12V oven in the rear of the 1991 Land Cruiser, which provides him the ability to cook on the go. Often while he’s driving the smell of meat or baked goods wafts throughout his cabin.

The back of the vehicle serves mainly as storage where a Front Runner drawer system is located. A rear cargo shelf and Huracan Fab tailgate storage are also found in the back.

People love a Land Cruiser – and a major reason is its style. Aidan opted to add a vinyl livery to stand out from the crowd along with PPF to protect his truck. Additionally, he added 17-inch Alpha Equipt Halo wheels wrapped with Toyo Tires’ latest Open Country R/T Trail tires in a 35-inch diameter. In the rear, a spare hangs snugly on a Kaymar Dual Swing bumper.

Powering Up

Helping to power all of his accessories, including his favorite espresso machine is a Redarc RedVision Manager30, a 1500W pure sine wave inverter, Towpro Elite, and a full 12V system with 200AH of lithium. This sits on a custom seat delete and is displayed via a power wall that he built for his rig.

The interior has stayed pretty simple, with canvas and leather seat covers by Melvill and Moon along with Auber Industries EGT and boost gauge. For communications, he has handheld HAM and GMRS.

What’s in Store for the 1991 Land Cruiser

While he’s made plenty of changes to the truck through the years, Aidan tells us it’s not done yet. He would like to add a 5-speed manual gearbox and further upgrade his suspension. Another goal on his wish list would be an engine swap with the newer Toyota 1HD-FTE diesel motor.

Aidan’s had his fair share of close calls, sketchy off-road conditions, and mechanical breakdowns while traveling. Earlier this year after going to Overland Expo West in Flagstaff, Arizona, he found himself with a blown turbo. Thankfully, his good friend, Josh was able to tow him to safety. He had a GTurbo at home in Idaho, which he had overnighted to Arizona. After the event, he took apart the entire engine in a friend’s driveway to change the entire turbo system. Through a combination of friends, and even his father (who had been visiting the United States at the time), they were able to come together to fix the truck to make the 700-mile journey home.

Through a combination of friends, and even his father who had been visiting the United States at the time, they were able to come together to fix the truck to make the 700-mile journey home.

Livin’ the Good Life

His dream is very much still alive, and he has expanded his travel list to visit South America, Canada, and Alaska with his 1991 Land Cruiser.

His dream is very much still alive, and he has expanded his travel list to visit South America, Canada, and Alaska with his 1991 Land Cruiser.

“I have always dreamed of traveling through truly untouched areas with extreme terrain. Kingsley Holgate was a true idol of mine growing up, and being such an avid explorer I’ve always wanted to be a part of an expedition of that scale,” shares Aidan.

You can follow Aidan Stott’s adventures on Instagram @astott_overland.

1991 Toyota Land Cruiser

Platform:

1991 Toyota Land Cruiser

Engine:

1-HD-T, 4.2 inline turbo diesel; GTurbo Green Wheel turbo at 20psi; Radius Fabrications 4-inch snorkel and air box; Manta Performance 3-inch stainless exhaust; Provent 200 catch can; Auber industries EGT and boost gauge

Wheels & Tires:

17-inch Alpha Equipt Halo wheels; Toyo Tires Open Country R/T 35×12.5R17

Suspension:

Old Man Emu Nitro Shocks (front and rear); 3-inch lift with 250 lb. springs (front); 3-inch lift with 880 lb. J-Coils (rear)

Interior Accessories:

Melvill and Moon canvas and leather seat covers; Auber Industries EGT and Boost Gauge; handheld GMRS and HAM radios; Redarc RedVision, Manger 30, 1500W Pure Sine Wave Inverter, Towpro Elite; 200AH lithium battery; Travel Buddy 12V oven; Kaon rear cargo shelf; custom seat delete and power wall; Snomaster 67EX fridge; Alu-cab Tilt Slide, Gen 3R RTT; Front Runner Outfitters Roofrack; Huracan Fab tailgate storage

Exterior Accessories:

Depot headlights; KC Hilites Pro 6, Flex Era 4, Long Range America 24-gallon auxiliary fuel tank; Front Runner Outfitters drawer system; 4×4 Labs front bumper; Kaymar dual swing rear bumper; custom sliders; Bushwrapz full vehicle wrap and PPF; Nitro Reduction gears; Aisin Part-Time 4WD in transfer case

Editor’s Note: A version of this story previously appeared in the November/December 2022 issue of TREAD Magazine.